Yuri Gagarin Archivi - SOVIETALY™

History of Poljot: From the First Moscow Watch Factory to Volmax and Maktime

Sovietaly™ Analysis and Opinions, Soviet Watches, Transitional Watches 16 July 202416 July 2024Aviator, buran, calibre 2416, calibre 2609, calibre 2612, calibre 3133, calibro 2416, calibro 2612, calibro 3133, First Moscow Watch Factory, Maktime, mechanical movement, orologeria russa, orologi Pobeda, orologi sovietici, Pobeda watches, poljot, Prima Fabbrica di Orologi di Mosca, produzione di orologi, Russian watch tradition, Russian watchmaking, Sergei Kirov, Soviet watches, sputnik, Sturmanskie, tradizione orologiera russa, Volmax, watch production, Yuri Gagarin 0 Comment

The “history of Poljot” begins with the establishment of the First Moscow Watch Factory (Первый Государственный Часовой Завод) in 1930, a key event within the framework of the first Soviet Five-Year Plan. This plan, launched in 1928, aimed to develop heavy industry and modernise the Soviet economy, and the creation of a state-owned watch factory was a significant part of this effort. On December 21, 1927, the Council of Labour and Defence approved a resolution to organise watch production in the USSR, with the goal of producing watches that were comparable in quality and precision to those from Switzerland and the United States (Poljot Watch) (Moscow Watch).

Foundation and Early Years

The Birth within the Context of the Five-Year Plan

To achieve this goal, a group of Soviet engineers was sent to the United States to study production techniques. In 1929, the Soviet government purchased machinery and equipment from the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company in Canton, Ohio, and the Ansonia Clock Company in Brooklyn, New York. These machines were transported to Moscow, along with 23 American technicians, to initiate production (Caliber Corner) (KaminskyBlog).

Initial Production Years

Construction of the factory began in February 1930 and was completed by June of the same year. Official production started on October 1, 1930, with the first 50 pocket watches, known as Type-1 or К-43, based on the Hampden Size 16 calibre. Despite initial difficulties, including a shortage of skilled workers and frequent machinery breakdowns, production rapidly improved thanks to intensive worker training and the establishment of a repair workshop (Moscow Watch).

Expansion and Development

Dedication to Kirov and Production Growth

In 1935, the factory was renamed in honour of Sergei Kirov, a Bolshevik leader who had been assassinated. This event marked a period of expansion, with production reaching 450,000 pieces per year and the beginning of special watch production for cars and aeroplanes (Moscow Watch).

Evacuation during World War II

During World War II, the factory was evacuated to Zlatoust due to the advancing German forces. However, part of the equipment was brought back to Moscow in 1943, and the factory resumed production, focusing on wristwatches. This period also marked the beginning of the production of the renowned Pobeda watch (KaminskyBlog).

The Birth of the Poljot Brand

Name Change and New Models

In 1947, the factory was renamed the First Moscow Watch Factory and started producing the Pobeda wristwatch. In the 1950s, the factory became well-known for numerous innovative models, including the first Soviet automatic watches and special watches for Antarctic expeditions (Moscow Watch) (Poljot Watch).

Introduction of the Poljot Brand

In 1964, all previous brands were consolidated under the name Poljot, which means “flight” in Russian. Poljot quickly became the flagship brand of the Soviet watch industry, producing historical watches used in important space missions, including those worn by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space (Poljot Watch).

Decline and Post-Soviet Transformation

Decline in the 1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s, the quality of Soviet watches began to decline due to economic stagnation and technological difficulties. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Poljot factory was privatised and transformed into a joint-stock company in 1992. However, financial and managerial difficulties continued to plague the company (KaminskyBlog).

Establishment of Volmax and Maktime

Volmax was founded in 2000 by a group of former Poljot employees. The company focused on producing high-quality watches using historical Poljot designs and movements. Brands such as Aviator, Buran, and Sturmanskie were revived under Volmax, keeping the Russian watchmaking tradition alive (Moscow Watch) (KaminskyBlog).

Maktime, founded in 1996, acquired machinery and equipment from Poljot, including those necessary to produce the famous calibre 3133. Maktime continued the production of this movement and introduced various exclusive watch models, including skeleton watches with precious metal cases and decorations with precious stones (Caliber Corner).

Key Brands of the First Moscow Watch Factory

Brand	Description
Poljot	Means “flight” in Russian; introduced in 1964, becoming the main brand for export and domestic markets.
Pobeda	Means “victory” in Russian; one of the first watches produced after World War II.
Sturmanskie	Worn by Yuri Gagarin on his first space flight; means “navigator”.
Kirovskie	Named in honour of Sergei Kirov; one of the first brands after the factory’s name change in 1935.
Mayak	Means “lighthouse” in Russian; one of the brands used in the 1950s and 1960s.
Moskva	Means “Moscow” in Russian; used in the 1950s.
Rodina	Means “motherland” in Russian; the first Soviet watch with an automatic winding function.
Sportivnie	Means “sporting” in Russian; watches with chronograph functions.
Signal	Mechanical watches with alarm functions; introduced in the late 1950s.
Sputnik	Commemorative of the launch of the first artificial satellite; introduced in 1957.
Antarktida	Special watches produced for Antarctic expeditions.
Kosmos	Means “cosmos” in Russian; commemorative space watches.
Orbita	Means “orbit” in Russian; one of the brands used for wristwatches.
Strela	Means “arrow” in Russian; worn by Alexei Leonov during the first spacewalk.
Vympel	A brand for high-precision watches.
Buran	Also used for more recent models.
Aviator	Mainly used for aviator watches.

Main Calibres Produced

Mechanical Calibres

Calibre 3133: Based on the Valjoux 7734, this is one of the most renowned chronograph movements.
Calibre 2612: Mechanical movement with an alarm function.
Calibre 2609: Used in Sturmanskie watches.

Quartz Calibres

Calibre 2416: Quartz movement used in various Poljot models in the 1980s and 1990s.
Calibre 2431: Another quartz movement produced in the later years of Poljot’s operations.

Conclusion

The “history of Poljot” is a journey through decades of technological and historical changes, consistently maintaining the high quality and craftsmanship of Russian watches. The legacy of Poljot continues to live on through the efforts of Volmax and Maktime.

Baikonur Azia-TV Poljot Watch: An Iconic and Mysterious Timepiece

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 18 June 202420 June 2024AZIA-TV, Baikonur Azia-TV Poljot watch, Baikonur Cosmodrome, collezionismo orologi, Kazakh broadcaster, orologio sovietico, post-Soviet media, Roman Trotsenko, Soviet history, Soviet watch, watch collecting, Yuri Gagarin 0 Comment

Introduction

The Baikonur Azia-TV Poljot watch is an iconic piece celebrating Soviet space achievements. With its unique design and historical significance, it is highly sought after by collectors. This article explores the watch’s technical details, the history of AZIA-TV, and the context where these elements intersect.

Technical Details of the Watch

Movement: Poljot 2614.2H
Diameter: 34mm
Functions: Date indicator
Design: Black dial with a red star and Yuri Gagarin’s image

Produced between the late 1980s and early 1990s, this watch pays tribute to Soviet space missions, referencing the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The History of AZIA-TV

“АЗИЯ-ТВ” (AZIA-TV) was a television company operating in Kazakhstan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Based in Almaty, it was part of a broader movement of independent broadcasters like “Otrar” and “Dala”. These channels played a crucial role in diversifying Kazakhstan’s post-Soviet media landscape, offering a variety of content including news, cultural programs, and entertainment.

Connections with Baikonur

Baikonur is renowned for its cosmodrome, the launch site for numerous Soviet space missions. While there are no direct references to specific collaborations between AZIA-TV and Baikonur, it is plausible that the channel featured content related to space activities due to regional ties and the cosmodrome’s importance.

Development of the Television Industry in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s television industry began developing in the 1950s, with significant growth in the following decades. By the 1980s, television broadcasting had expanded considerably, offering mixed programming in Kazakh and Russian. The emergence of independent broadcasters like AZIA-TV marked an important shift towards a more diverse national media landscape.

Conclusion

The Baikonur Azia-TV Poljot watch is more than just a timepiece; it is a piece of history celebrating Soviet space achievements and the dynamic post-Soviet media landscape in Kazakhstan. This makes the watch of great interest to both collectors and history enthusiasts.

Central Military Aviation Research Hospital: 50 Years of Excellence in Aerospace and Aeronautical Medicine

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 6 January 202125 June 2024aerospace medicine, Central Military Aviation Research Hospital, collezionismo orologi, commemorative watches, orologi Vostok, Soviet space program, TiN, Vostok 2414A movement, Vostok Komandirskie, Vostok watches, watch collecting, Yuri Gagarin 0 Comment

russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Central Research Aviation Hospital

A classic Vostok Komandirskie with a TiN-finished case immediately caught my attention, primarily due to the uniqueness of its dial and also because, despite not particularly liking gold-finished watches, this one is decidedly appealing. The white dial probably balances the overall design well.

Determining the Production Date of the Watch

One of the key questions concerns the production date of the commemorative watch. Considering the 50th anniversary of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital, the production date can be set around 1992. This calculation is based on the fact that the hospital was founded in 1942, making 1992 the 50th anniversary year. The lack of any reference to the USSR or Russia on the dial further supports this hypothesis, suggesting that the watch was commissioned and produced during the post-Soviet transition period.

The Commemorative Vostok Komandirskie

The Vostok Komandirskie created for the 50th anniversary of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital is a unique and meaningful watch. Its distinctive aesthetics and build quality make it a coveted piece for collectors.

Watch Description

Case: The case is made of brass coated with titanium nitride (TiN), a material known for its resistance and durability. This gives the watch a golden yet robust appearance.
Dial: The white dial features raised gold indices that add a touch of elegance. In the center, the red number 50 stands out, surrounded by significant symbols such as the Bowl of Hygieia, a military aircraft, and a Soyuz rocket. The blue wings flanking the number 50 represent flight and aviation.
Hands: The gold hands, with a red second hand, harmonize perfectly with the dial, facilitating easy time reading.
Caseback: The stainless steel caseback features a rising sun theme and lacks serial numbers, adding a touch of uniqueness.

Technical Specifications of the Watch

Movement: The watch is equipped with the reliable and precise Vostok 2414A movement. This manual wind mechanical movement is a classic of the Komandirskie series.
Functions: The watch provides hour, minute, second, and date functions, with a clean and well-organized dial.

Explore technical details: Vostok 2414A Movement

A Piece of History on the Wrist

Owning this watch means carrying a piece of history. Every detail, from the dial to the case, tells the story of the hospital and the Soviet space program. The watch is not just a timepiece but a tribute to decades of innovation and dedication in aerospace medicine.

The History of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital

Founded on May 7, 1942, by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital has played a crucial role in military and aerospace medicine. Originally created to support the medical needs of aviation during World War II, the hospital underwent several reorganizations and name changes over the years.

A Turning Point: The Connection with Yuri Gagarin and the Soviet Space Program

In 1959, the hospital began selecting and supporting the first Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. This connection with the Soviet space program was a turning point in the hospital’s history. Gagarin and his colleagues underwent rigorous medical examinations and intensive training to prepare for space flight (Yuri Gagarin on Wikipedia, Soviet Space Program).

The hospital became synonymous with excellence in aerospace medicine, directly contributing to the successes of the Soviet space program. The medical examinations and support provided to the cosmonauts were crucial in ensuring their physical and mental fitness for space missions.

Explore the hospital’s history: ПроДокторов, Military Encyclopedia

Conclusions

The commemorative Vostok Komandirskie watch is a true gem for collectors and history enthusiasts. Its connection to the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital and the Soviet space program makes it unique and fascinating. A piece that celebrates 50 years of excellence and significant contributions to medicine and space exploration.

Further exploration: Central Military Aviation Research Hospital, Vostok Watches Details

Discovering the Charm of Soviet and Russian Watch Collections

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 16 April 201821 June 202424h, aeroflot, Amphibia, astronaut, Boctok, buran, cccp, collectible watches, collezionismo orologi, horology, Italian market watches, komandirskie, Mosca, orologeria russa, orologi da collezione, orologi russi, orologi vintage, orologio, orologio sovietico, pobeda, polar aviation, poljot, raketa, Russian watches, Russian watchmaking, russo, Soviet watch collection, Soviet watch history, Soviet watches, Soviet watchmaking, sovietaly, spazio, ussr, Valentina Tereškova, vintage watches, vostok, Vostok Amphibia, watch collecting, watch collection, watch history, Yuri Gagarin, zim 0 Comment

It may seem unusual, but sometimes a collection of Soviet/Russian watches can capture the attention and appreciation of even those who are not experts in the field. This intriguing niche of collecting has recently been highlighted in an interview published by the magazine “Collezionare,” available in both print and digital formats (www.collezionare.com).

The Magazine “Collezionare”

The magazine “Collezionare” is a specialized publication focused on the world of collecting, offering in-depth articles, news, and interviews on a wide range of collectible items. From vintage to antiques and modern collectibles, the magazine serves as an authoritative and up-to-date resource for enthusiasts. Available in both print and online versions, “Collezionare” stands out for the quality of its content and the passion with which it tells the stories of collectors and their unique collections.

Two years ago, I contacted several journals related to collecting to promote my father’s Pirelli advertisement collection, including “Collezionare”. The interview with my father can be found at this link. Given the existing contact, a couple of months ago I reached out again to the journalist who conducted the interview, suggesting she might also be interested in my collection of Soviet/Russian watches. A few days later, she contacted me to schedule a phone interview.

On April 14, 2018, the online version of the interview was published and can be read at this link.

Soviet Watches

In the interview, Andrea Manini, a 44-year-old from Milan who has been collecting since 1992, shares insights into his collection of over 400 Russian watches. “What I really enjoy is that, unlike Swiss watches, Russian ones always have a story to tell.”

The Stories Behind Soviet Watches

Many stories surround Soviet watchmaking, particularly those involving Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. The watch he wore during the 1961 mission is still a mystery. Some claim it was a Poljot Sturmanskie, produced by the First Moscow Watch Factory, often referred to as the Russian equivalent of the Speedmaster used by Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon. Others believe it was the Type One by Sturmanskie, citing a photo where Gagarin wears this model over his red suit. “But who can say for sure? Maybe it was just a training shot,” says Andrea, emphasizing the mystery that often surrounds these famous timepieces.

The Influence of History on Soviet Watchmaking

The end of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s marked the beginning of a new era for Russian watchmaking in Italy. Andrea, like many other enthusiasts, started his collection in 1992, the year after the USSR’s dissolution. “1992 is my year zero, the year I began to appreciate these beautiful watches. That year, the first after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, all the unique goods from the former USSR became very sought after, including Russian watches, which started appearing in our jewelry stores. Over the years, I have expanded my collection to about 400 pieces.”

Early Discoveries

Andrea’s first purchase was a Vostok Komandirskie wristwatch. “The military look and the rocket on the dial attracted me, and only later did I discover that it was a Vostok Komandirskie model, with the Vostok 1 rocket that Gagarin used to orbit the Earth in 1961.”

Collection Categories

Russian watches are categorized in various ways. Andrea focuses on Russian space adventures and Soviet watches made for the Italian market. Other themes include Soviet polar explorations and Russian railways, particularly the BAM line.

The History of Russian Watchmaking

Russian watchmaking has a complex history intertwined with the country’s social, political, and military developments. During the Tsarist era, watches were mainly produced by artisanal workshops. With the advent of the Soviet Union, watch production became essential for both civilians and the military. Initially, pocket watches were produced, but gradually, wristwatches became the focus.

Watch Factories

Numerous companies arose in the Soviet Union, named after war or space adventures. “The First Moscow Watch Factory, later named Poljot (which means flight), Raketa (rocket), Pobeda (victory, dedicated to WWII), and Chaika (seagull, which was Valentina Tereshkova’s code name during her space flight).”

Export and Marketing

In the 1960s and 70s, Soviet watches were exported at low prices to promote sales. This was a state-imposed strategy. In Italy, Russian watchmaking has often been underrated due to its proximity to Switzerland. However, the Russians understood the importance of marketing and created watches with logos for export or specific models for certain markets.

Rare Models

Among the rarest models in Andrea’s collection is a Raketa Big Zero with a nephrite dial, a green stone similar to jade. Finding rare models is challenging, especially online where many fakes and assembled pieces are sold.

Tips for Collectors

To avoid buying fakes, Andrea advises consulting more experienced and reliable collectors. “Today, there are many forums and groups where you can exchange opinions and advice.”

This collection of Soviet/Russian watches, with its rich history and intriguing models, continues to captivate not only enthusiasts but also newcomers to the world of collecting.

Vostok Cosmonaut: The Watch of the Soviet Space Era

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 29 September 201725 June 2024Anna Lee Fisher, collecting, collezionismo, esplorazione spaziale, orologeria russa, orologio sovietico, Soviet watch, space exploration, storia dell'orologeria, Valentina Tereshkova, Valentina Tereškova, Vostok Astronaut, Vostok Cosmonaut, watch history, Yuri Gagarin 0 Comment

The Vostok Cosmonaut, also improperly known as the Vostok Astronaut, is a highly sought-after Soviet watch among collectors worldwide. Its charm lies in the dial that depicts the profile of a cosmonaut inside a space suit helmet. But who is actually depicted? Let’s explore the various theories and the different versions of this iconic watch.

Versions of the Vostok Cosmonaut

There are primarily three variants of the Vostok Cosmonaut watch: two from the Soviet era and one from the post-Soviet transitional period. Additionally, there are different types of cases and bezels that add to the variety of this model.

Soviet Era Versions

Black Dial The black dial version is usually housed in a chromed Generalskie 091xxx case, with the Vostok automatic caliber 2416b. Produced in the 1980s, it was mainly destined for the Italian and German markets. This model is easily recognizable by its typical unidirectional bezel with small dots.
Blue Dial The blue dial version, much rarer, is set in a Neptune case and features a Vostok automatic caliber. Despite the color differences, the dial design remains substantially identical to the black version.

Transitional Period Version

There is also a post-Soviet version of the Vostok Cosmonaut. This variant, often marketed as Amphibia, follows the success of the Soviet versions with a very similar dial. The main differences lie in the case and bezel, as seen in the following images.

russian watch Vostok Amphibia Valentina Tereskova — Vostok Amphibia Valentina Tereskova

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/cosmonaut-vostok.628747/

The Dial of the Vostok Cosmonaut

The most distinctive part of the watch is undoubtedly the dial, which depicts the profile of a cosmonaut with a helmet against a backdrop evoking deep space. The Soviet and transitional versions are very similar but present some differences in graphic details.

At first glance, it’s not easy to notice the differences between the two versions. However, by carefully comparing the reflections on the helmet and visor, distinctive details can be identified. Just take the position of the “P” on the helmet as a reference.

Confronto tra i quadranti del Vostok Astronaut

Who is Depicted?

There are three main theories regarding the identity of the cosmonaut depicted:

Yuri Gagarin The most common theory is that the cosmonaut is Yuri Gagarin, the first man to travel into space. The delicate features of the depicted face resemble those of Gagarin, as seen in historical photos (Astronomy Scope) (Night Sky Pix).
Anna Lee Fisher Some suggest that the image might be inspired by American astronaut Anna Lee Fisher. Although it’s unlikely for an American astronaut to be depicted on a Soviet watch, the resemblance to some photographs of Fisher is striking (Difference Wiki).
Valentina Tereshkova The most fascinating and perhaps most probable theory is that the face depicted is that of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel into space. Her historic mission aboard Vostok 6 in 1963 makes her an icon of the Soviet space era (Astronomy Scope) (WorldAtlas).

Does the Vostok Cosmonaut Have Clones?

There is a similar, though less prestigious, version of the Vostok watch. It is a Slava model with manual winding and caliber 2428. The light gray/white dial features the profile drawing of the cosmonaut but with less definition compared to the original Vostok. Curiously, the bottom of the dial bears the name Yuri Gagarin in Cyrillic (Ю. А. ГАГАРИН), which might support the theory that the cosmonaut depicted is Gagarin.

russian watch Slava Gagarin — Slava Gagarin

Conclusions

The Vostok Cosmonaut, with its various versions, is a milestone in any collection dedicated to the space era and Soviet watches. The simplicity of the design and the cleanliness of the dial make it one of the best Soviet watches of the 1980s. Regarding who is depicted on the dial, the mystery adds an additional layer of charm. Whether it is Gagarin, Tereshkova, or a generic cosmonaut, the Vostok Cosmonaut continues to celebrate those brave men and women who paved the way for space exploration.

Difference Between Cosmonaut and Astronaut

The term “cosmonaut” is used to refer to space travelers trained by the Russian or Soviet space agency, while “astronaut” is used for those trained by U.S., European, Canadian, or Japanese space agencies (StarLust) (Astronomy Scope) (Night Sky Pix). The distinction originated during the Cold War and reflects the independence and competition between the U.S. and Soviet space programs.

Cosmonaut: Derived from the Greek words “kosmos” (universe) and “nautes” (sailor), meaning “sailor of the universe.”
Astronaut: Derived from the Greek words “astron” (star) and “nautes” (sailor), meaning “sailor of the stars.”

Fun Facts About Anna Lee Fisher

Anna Lee Fisher was the first mother to fly into space and worked as a chemist and astronaut for NASA. She was married to William Frederick Fisher, also an astronaut, and together they represented one of the few married couples to have both flown into space (Difference Wiki).

Insights on Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova

Yuri Gagarin: The first man in space, on April 12, 1961, completing an orbit of the Earth with the Vostok 1 mission. His achievement represents a milestone in the history of space exploration (WorldAtlas) (Night Sky Pix).
Valentina Tereshkova: The first woman in space, flew on June 16, 1963, aboard Vostok 6. Her mission lasted almost three days and marked a significant advancement in the inclusion of women in the space program (WorldAtlas) (Night Sky Pix).

For further insights, here are some useful links: